With a mission to stimulate the development of the city, Bridgeport’s Main Street program is revitalizing its downtown district.

Bridgeport was declared a 2006 Official Texas Main Street City in October. The city received a 100 on its application score – the highest score a city can receive from the state organization.

More than 1,000 volunteer hours were logged and more than $150,000 was spent to reinvest in the downtown district including building purchases and improvements.

“I always knew Bridgeport was deserving of Main Street designation and the perseverance and support of the community during the two-year application process only reinforced that belief,” said Pat Slayton, chair of the Bridgeport Main Street Advisory Board. “Now the hard part begins - living up to the expectations and potential that exist.”

Bridgeport Main Street has contributed to several annual events including the Halloween costume parade and trick or treating in the downtown area, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day dinners and the Easter “eggstravaganza.”

It has also contributed to activities for Butterfield Stage Days including the stick horse rodeo and the salsa contest, a tailgate party to kick off the district football season, and assisted with SkateFest and the “Home for the Holidays” Christmas program.

Bridgeport Main Street, in conjunction with the Downtown Bridgeport Association, also co-hosted the Wise County Sesquicentennial gospel jamboree and the Miss Wise County pageant.

Angie Tyson is manager of Bridgeport Main Street. Her office is located downtown.

Slayton serves as president of the board. Virginia Wood is vice president and William Myers is secretary. Other board members are Joann Beneke, Mollie Carpenter, Ilene Enochs, Embry Hines, Robert Marlett, Ashley Melton, Brenda Morgan and Roy Peyton.

Bridgeport Main Street includes four subcommittees.

An organization committee establishes consensus and cooperation by building partnerships among various groups that have a stake in the downtown district.

A promotions committee creates a positive image to rekindle community pride in downtown Bridgeport.

A design committee uses visual opportunities inherent in downtown by directing attention to all of its physical elements, including buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces and landscaping.

An economic restructuring committee strengthens the downtown district’s economic assets while diversifying its economic base.

To volunteer for Bridgeport Main Street, call Tyson at (940) 683-3485.